Cut each leaf about 1 inch above the ground and start on the outside, allowing the inside leaves to flourish. I use a paring knife to cut mine.

CRAP! I ruined one of my four Boston lettuces then. I used a metal knife and cut the entire top off leaving about 1 inch of the base. Oops! Thanks, MomToTwoBoys...Now I know what to do with the remaining lettuces in the garden.

I have always just snapped the leaves off. If the lettuce gets ready to bolt, we have picked it all and stored it in the frig in a tupperware type container. Make sure the lettuce is damp, not wet. It will keep up to two weeks.

That's funny. I was posting the same thing as fixer on the lose-a- pound site. i remember putting it in tupperware w/ a paper towel underneath it.
It draws the moisture away but it doesn't wilt that way as easily either. Lettuce is very sensitive to things in the soil and will pick up taste too.

Not familiar with the term 'Boston lettuce' but the lettuce I have grown I have just torn off, whatever I need, and it continues to grow. As long as you didn't pull the plant up I would bet that it will grow....at least until it bolts.

(but then I don't cut my rhubarb like some others do either and just had my second cutting)